LEADERSHIP
THOUGHT
LEADERSHIP
Data is only as powerful as the action it inspires. Our Thought Leadership page is a living archive of action research built from over 10,000+ ground-level observations and deep-dive interviews in communities across Los Angeles County. LEEAF research aims to provide the evidence-based roadmap needed to move the region toward a more inclusive and resilient future.
Needs, Strengths, and Trust: Listening to the Small Businesses of East Los Angeles
What do East LA small businesses actually need? This report shares real stories, real data, and clear takeaways from hundreds of local entrepreneurs working to recover and grow.
Invisible Losses: How Small Businesses and Communities Adapt to Immigration Raids
What happens to a local economy when fear keeps people home? This report shares what LA small business owners are experiencing after ICE raids, and how they’re holding their communities together.
Why Language Fluency and In-Person Support Matter
Not all business owners experience “online access” the same way. This LEEAF report shows how language fluency shapes whether LA entrepreneurs can actually use digital services and why in-person support still matters.
Rebuilding Trust: Listening to the Businesses of Los Angeles County
Why don’t small businesses trust support programs? LA entrepreneurs share honest answers and a roadmap for rebuilding trust through real relationships, not just marketing.
Why Small Business Marketing Is Struggling
Marketing is the #1 hurdle for LA small businesses, but not for the reasons you think. Our latest report shows why 10-year veteran entrepreneurs are struggling to adapt to the digital age twice as much as startups.
What’s Happening to Small Businesses in LA?
Is the national data wrong about LA? Our outreach team visited 10,000+ businesses to see who is actually staying open. The results for Retail vs. Food Services might surprise you.